Barrier-free ETH – first quick wins

In the “Construction” category, the building CHN at Universitätsstrasse was selected as the first pilot building for barrier-free conversion. The required modifications are currently in the planning phase and are set to be carried out from 2022. Ramps, lifts and high-visibility markings on glass doors and steps are vital for ensuring barrier-free movement.

However, it is not just “built” obstacles that make it difficult for people with restricted mobility or impaired vision, for example, to navigate their way through the building. There is also a problem with moveable obstructions: ramps blocked by furniture, corridors blocked by boxes or illegally locked fire doors can become trip hazards or create dangerous dead ends. This is why sub-project 4 “Periodic building controls”, led by the Facility Management department, is developing an efficient process for the regular removal of temporary hazards and is raising awareness of the problem among the relevant departmental teams. From October, documented inspection patrols will take place every four weeks in high-traffic buildings and every eight weeks in buildings that are less frequented.

All ETH members can play their part in creating a barrier-free university by ensuring that hoardings, furniture and other items are not placed in access routes in the first place.

Mission-statement is being developed

In the second category of “Organisation”, intensive discussions have already taken place in sub-project 10 “Communicate mission statement”. The sub-project, headed by VPPL, involves a large team with different stakeholders and is working in tandem with Workstream 6 “Cultural development” of rETHink on the Executive Board’s mission statement on the subject of accessibility, openness and inclusion.

ETH magazine Globe and tours should become increasingly barrier-free

There has also been initial progress in the third category of “Technology”: the June edition of Globe magazine is currently being prepared in a barrier-free format as a pilot. In addition, various web apps, including the Course Catalogue, are being tested for barrier-free access, and the findings will then be put into practice.

As part of sub-project 11, “Barrier-free communication”, which is being led by Corporate Communications, the campus channels and public tours are also being scrutinised. Five tours have already been offered with sign language interpretation this year, and further methods of enabling barrier-free participation are to be examined.

Changing perspectives and raising awareness

How does it feel to navigate your way around ETH if you have a disability? How do I find the seminar room if I have very limited vision? And how easy is it for me to negotiate HPH’s ramp and cobblestones in a wheelchair?

The half-day awareness-raising workshop that was held at the beginning of July for the sub-project managers proved a lot more mentally and physically challenging than anticipated. Participants found it virtually impossible to move around the site in a wheelchair or get their bearings while using a white cane and eye mask or simulation glasses. At best, they made very slow progress. This opportunity to see things from another perspective was invaluable for the work that lies ahead in the implementation programme and its sub-projects.

Barrier-free at Scientifica

On 4 September (12 noon–1 p.m., UZH, Aula), the programme will also be presented in German at the Scientifica as part of a Science Café, organised by the Competence Centre for Rehabilitation, Engineering and Science: external page“Barrierefreiheit: Technologie – Hilfe oder Hürde?”call_made